Just because summer is fast approaching and you have a vacation schedule doesn't mean that your home's fireplace should go on a vacation. Although you may think your fireplace is useless during the warmer months of the year, you can use the fireplace to really crank up the aesthetics of the interior of your home. Here are a few creative ideas to implement so your fireplace doesn't go to waste during the summer:

Just Add Flowers

From the mantel of the fireplace to the inside of the fireplace, add some beautiful summer blooms. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid actual flowers, you could always stick with some lush greenery. Regardless of which one you choose, it will help brighten up the space so that it doesn't look so dull.

Mimic a Fire with Candles

If you are planning a romantic evening and want something that is as similar to a fire as possible, you may want to consider adding candles of different heights. While it won't have a wood-burning smell and won't crackle the way a real fire would, the light from the candles will illuminate the room beautifully and create the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. This idea doesn't have to only be used with romantic evenings, as it can be a great way to add ambiance during a get-together or to help you relax at the end of a long workday.

Add a Summery Divider

If you didn't take the time to clean the fireplace out, and you need to hide the ashes from view, you may want to consider purchasing a fire screen or some form of divider that can be placed in front of the fireplace. This helps to add visual appeal to the room without overdoing it. Just make sure that you choose a design that fits in with your décor or summer in general. If you can't find something that you like, consider using removable wallpaper and apply it to your fire screen to create your own look.

Show Off Your Vase Collection.

Vases come in all shapes, sizes and colors. If you have several pieces that need a home, you may want to consider displaying them inside the fireplace. Try to stick to a two- or three-color palette so you don't overwhelm the area with pops of colors. For the most interesting arrangement, make sure to use a variety of shapes and heights. This gives you a place to show off your collection of vases while also adding an eye-catching design to the space.

These are just a few ideas to help you get your creative juices flowing. Just keep in mind that you will need to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional like B C Fireplace Service Inc if you haven't already to ensure your fireplace is safe and ready to go once winter strikes.